{Review} My Status Update Journey by Marcus Matherne

ISBN #: 978-1432789190

Page Count: 168

Copyright: May 8, 2012

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Book Summary:

(Taken from Amazon)

The author of this book also wrote the next paragraph. I wonder if you'd be able to pick up on that. If not, you might not be qualified and/or prepared to read the inside of this book. Seriously, if you read the next paragraph and you fail to consider that I'm purposely trying to over-hype the book for the potential sale, don't buy the book. Oops, let me rephrase that. Don't buy the book for yourself - buy the book for someone else.

This book is so captivating! You'll be on the edge of your seat from the first word all the way through to the last. You'll be guessing with each turn of a page. What topic will Marcus cover next? Every page is incredible! You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll be touched, moved, and inspired. This book will bring back memories that have long been buried. You'll want to read this one again and again. Or not. How am I supposed to tell? I don't even know you. Maybe you've recently been in an accident. Maybe the act of laughing causes horrible pains and spasms and causes stitches to burst. In which case, you should consider healing fully before embarking on my journey through three years of social networking status updates.

Follow my journey as told by my status updates and the intriguing commentary from the voices in my head. On this trip you find stories of a family man, growing children, delicious cereals, malfunctioning toilets, park benches, awesome soldiers, birthday parties, adorable puppies, on-line games, winter storms, roller coasters, slugs, and a high profile celebrity party. This book contains a topic for everyone! If you can't find a situation or something to relate to in this book, you are either dead or you're that person that no one wants to be around. You owe it to yourself to read this book in order to confirm that you're alive and that you are not "that guy." Seriously, what if you are a loser and you don't know it? Let me help you. Read my book. Help me, help you. Really.

About the Author:

Marcus gets a sharp agonizing sensation in his leg muscles when he attempts to place his foot behind his head. Oh, wait a minute. I guess that's not the kind of thing we're looking for here. Let me try again. Marcus lives with his wonderful wife of over fifteen years and his two awesome boys in Mason, Ohio. Better? Good, now start reading the book.

Kathy's Review:

Say what you will about Facebook; sometimes it gives really funny people an outlet to make other people laugh. Through status updates, we can share how we're feeling, what we're eating, our views on life, or something truly random.

Marcus Matherne, who is a humor blogger, has taken his collection of status updates and turned it into a book. After each status update he provides witty, sometimes self-deprecating commentary about the status. It pokes fun at Facebook, as well, and the things all we FB addicts do online. (Farmville, quizzes, etc.)

I enjoy Matherne's sense of humor and I like the idea of telling a story through Facebook status. I'm not sure this was really a "story" per se, but rather a chronological look back through his life as seen on Facebook. To be honest, I kind of like this idea for myself. I'd like to take some of my funnier FB statuses (because I fancy myself as a bit of a humor writer myself at times) and put them into some kind of more permanent collection. If, for nothing else, for my own benefit. I like to go back and see my own personal history, or chuckle at something I wrote back in 2010.

Reading this is like reading a friend's Facebook wall in a creepy, stalker-like fashion, without the distraction of Bubble Witch Saga requests popping up from time to time. Except Matherne doesn't mind you being creepy or a stalker. I don't think, anyway.

The writing lacks some polish - it seems like Matherne just sat down and wrote some commentary after each of his statuses without going back and editing. It seems very "stream of consciousness" although he does come back to some common themes and tie certain statuses together (e.g. clipping toenails in a hotel room - you'll hear about it more than once!)

I'd recommend this for avid Facebookers with a sarcastic sense of humor.

I'm just sad he's not going to invite Hall and Oates to his party. (I'm a big fan.)



* As a side note, I found Marcus through Wordpress, where he writes funny stuff at: http://voicesinhishead.com. He sent me a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review. And a donut. Just kidding about the donut. I'm still waiting for it.

{Review} Mindfront by Dave Becker

ISBN #: 978-0985365325

Page Count: 428

Copyright: September 22, 2012

Publisher: Dave Becker

Book Summary:

(Taken from Goodreads)

After uncovering a universal code in the brain waves of all living things that could revolutionize psychology, Martin Keller wakes one morning to find himself covered in blood, surrounded by his butchered family. Convinced he's being framed by a diabolical organization set on stealing or sabotaging his work, he dodges a multi-agency manhunt that pursues him from the seediest corners of DC to the highest offices of government. Struggling to stay alive and find his family's killer, Marty soon finds himself lost in a maze of conspiracies and paranoia, and eventually begins to doubt his own sanity. How can he find the truth when he doesn't know what's real?

Kathy's Review:

Marty's mind is messed up - and yours will be too while you are reading this thriller. Marty's brain has been manipulated and some of what he sees and experiences is not real. But, some of it is. It's hard to discern which is reality and which isn't. But that's what makes this book interesting. Because you have an unreliable perspective from Marty, this book will keep you guessing until the end.

Author Dave Becker does a great job of switching back and forth between Marty's messed-up brain and scenes of Marty's professor friend, Ben, as well as FBI agents Alan and his partner, Karen, to add to the mystery. Just how much of the story takes place inside Marty's mind?

This is my second review of Dave Becker's work. The Faustian Host, a YA novel, was his first. This is definitely more for adults, as it is quite violent. But it's an excellent read for those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Good stuff from Mr. Becker. I hope he keeps it coming.


*An ecopy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

{Author Interview} Kris Kramer

Hi Kris, it's wonderful to have you with us on Literary R&R today. We hope you enjoy your time here. Let's begin with a little background:

Where are you from?

I'm from the Dallas, TX area, although I lived in Houston until I was 12.

When and why did you begin writing?

I had an overactive imagination growing up, and because of that, I always had stories rolling around in my head that I wanted to tell. But I never thought of myself as a good writer. Or even an average one. I really wanted to share these stories, though, and any future ones I came up with, too. So one day, I guess I just decided to tackle it, and figure it out. Having ZERO training or experience in writing at all, I went to my software development roots and took some existing books and of reverse-engineered them to figure out how they were written. And that process actually kind of worked for me.

What inspired you to write your first book?

Having a kid and getting laid off from my job. Those were two moments that made me think about what I wanted my life to be going forward, and being a writer, despite how tough it can be, was what I wanted.

What books have influenced your life the most?

I'm not sure which ones influenced my life, but I can tell you which ones have influenced my writing. I read a bunch of James Clavell novels when I was younger, starting with Shogun. Those books introduced me to the sprawling, detailed epic that I really enjoyed. Some other books and series that also had an effect were the Death Gate cycle, some early Tom Clancy books, and the Foundation series. More recently, I've really enjoyed Bernard Cornwell's Saxon and King Arthur books, and I recently got into Ender's Game and the sequels along with Old Man's War.

Now that we're acquainted, can you tell us about your current project(s)?

I'm working on two main series at the moment. The first is Dominion, for which I've already published the first book, Sanctuary. Dominion is a fantasy series set in 9th century Britain that dives into the mythology of that tumultuous time period. For those of you who don't know the history of the late 9th century, Britain was invaded and nearly overrun by Vikings.

Their Norse beliefs, combined with the growing power of Christianity and the fading followers of the old Celtic gods, created what I like to think of as a little bit of a holy war. So I took that concept, and made the mythology of the three belief systems (Christianity, Norse, Celtic) real. The first book, Sanctuary, is about a priest named Daniel, who begins to see the first hints of something greater at work, and we see things from the Christian PoV. The second book, Vengeance, features a Viking main character, while the third will star an Irishwoman who is also a Banshee. After the third, the characters will all be brought together to deal with the long-term plot lines of the series.

My other main project is called Olympia. I'm trying to finish up the first book now, and hopefully it will be out by the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014. Olympia is a science-fiction novel that takes place about 500 years in the future. After humanity spends most of the 21st century devolving into an endless cycle of war, famine, and economic collapse, the Greek gods return to Earth and remake human society into a new pseudo-utopia called Olympia. The first book takes place about 500 years after that event, in the new nation of Athens, where an army soldier named Anthony begins to move up the ranks, and learns that the utopia he's been born in isn't what it seems.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

All of it. =)

Who designed the cover(s)?

I have a few different artists I work with for cover design and promo artwork, but two of the big ones are Bill Harkins and Jordan Grimmer.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

Hopefully I learned how to become a better writer. And hopefully, writing my next book will do the same. I consider myself a student of this art form, and hopefully I will continue to be so for a long time.

Do you have anything specific you want to say to your readers?

Other than a customary plea to buy my books, I'd like to say that writing is an art form, and like all artists, writers crave feedback. So tell us how we're doing. Tell us what you like and what you don't. We don't write in a bubble, ignoring criticisms and trying not to worry about what people think. Our entire profession is designed to draw readers/consumers in, and our efforts are only enhanced by your participation in that process.

Can you please tell our followers what The 4th Realm is?

The 4th Realm is essentially a brand. I started the site with a few writer friends of mine, basically as an attempt to foster collaborative writing projects, of which our Rise of Cithria series is a prime example. But as it grew, it evolved into something else. We only do digital distribution - ebooks - and looking at the existing ebook market, and the ease of publishing it provides, we're noticing that even though just about everyone can get their books to market pretty quickly, the quality isn't always what it should be. So at the4threalm.com, we try very hard to hash out our ideas amongst other writers and editors. We pass our manuscripts back and forth for critiques and editing. We share feedback, and provide artist contacts, all in an effort to provide better quality books. I like to think of the4threalm.com as a tiny little Pixar wannabe, where we work with each other very hard to provide quality books and stories that will make people want to come back, not only to see additional books in that series, or by that author, but from other authors at the site as well.

What are the long-term goals for The 4th Realm?

My dream is that readers come to the4threalm.com knowing that they'll find great books, great stories, wonderful characters and authors who know how to give them that. The ebook industry right now is a little bit of a wild west. We're looking to tame that, or at least to provide an oasis in that desert.

Is there any additional information related to the site that you'd like our followers to know?

Yes. We not only publish books, we also have an online writer's group in our Forums. If you're a writer looking for some feedback, or other authors to chat with or to share ideas, drop on by. Also, we dabble in screenplays, film and comic books as well.

Well, Kris, this has been very interesting and informative. What would you say about us letting loose for the final questions?

Lets do it.

These next questions are just for fun, so we hope you have fun answering them ...

Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning or do you not see the point?

Don't see the point. Although, having said that, I tend to keep my bed simple, so I can just throw the sheets/comforter back up and have it look presentable. I don't get the whole 'lets have eighteen pillows on the bed because its decorative' thing.

Do you get road rage? What pisses you off the most about other drivers?

I DO get road rage, usually in traffic, or when another driver fails to show proper driving etiquette. =)

What's your favorite line from any movie?

I'm a comic book geek, so I got a little pleasure from the following line in The Avengers:

Captain America: Hulk ... smash.

You have multiple personalities. Describe some of them.

I'm a little bit obsessive or a control freak about things that are important to me.

I love goofy kid shows and cartoons.

I'm a bit of a romantic.

I'm incredibly absent-minded.

I'm into sports and I'm a serious gamer, with a crazy competitive streak, but I haven't had any time to play anything at all for the last couple years ... which is kinda depressing.

Tell us about a unique or quirky habit of yours.

Instead of drinking coffee in the morning, I drink orange juice ... and I feel 'off' in the mornings if I don't have it.

And finally, if you dare, tell us one thing nobody else knows about you.

When I play Viva Pinata with my daughter, I secretly enjoy it.

Thank you so much for participating in this interview, Kris. We've enjoyed having you here today. We wish you all the best in your writing career.

{Review} Angelina's Bachelors: A Novel with Food by Brian O'Reilly

ISBN #: 978-1451620566

Page Count: 355

Publisher: Gallery Books

Copyright: August 9, 2011

Book Summary:

(Taken from back cover)

Far too young to be a widow, Angelina D'Angelo suddenly finds herself facing a life without her beloved husband, Frank. Late one night shortly after the funeral, she makes her way down to the kitchen and pours all of her grief and anger into the only outlet she has left - her passion for cooking. In a frenzy of concentration and swift precision, she builds layer upon layer of thick, rich lasagna, braids loaves of yeasty bread, roasts plump herb-rubbed chicken; she makes so much food that she winds up delivering the spoils to the neighbors in her tight-knit Italian community in South Philadelphia.

Retiree Basil Cupertino, who has just moved in with his kindly sister across the street, is positively smitten with Angelina's food. In a stroke of good fortune, Basil offers Angelina (not only husbandless but unemployed) a job cooking for him - two meals a day, six days a week, in exchange for a handsome salary. Soon, word of her irresistible culinary prowess spreads and she finds herself cooking for seven bachelors - and in the process discovers the magical power of food to heal, to bring people together ... and maybe even to provide a second chance at love.

Mandy's Review:

Angelina's Bachelors grips your heart from the beginning and doesn't let go ... even after you've read the last page. It begins with the tragedy of Frank's death, which is sad, but then a short time later, Angelina loses her job ... with a severance pay of $100. With her mind numb and not knowing what to do, Angelina takes a few days to sit around the house and grieve. Her mother-in-law does her best to get Angelina out of her funk, but Angelina is one of those types that just needs some time to get herself together, then she's okay.

Angelina's turning point turns out to be a blessing in disguise. After her all-night session of baking and cooking, Angelina has enough food to feed an army. With the help of her mother-in-law and niece, Angelina distributes the food throughout her neighborhood. A few days later, opportunity comes knocking on her door in the form of one Mr. Basil Cupertino. Recognizing a present-day miracle for what it is, Angelina agrees to his proposal.

From there on out the story is about food, redefining the term "family," love, hope, new beginnings, and fond memories of the past. This is a beautiful story grown from a seed of tragedy. I would highly recommend this to everyone who reads fiction.


*A paperback copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

{Review} It's Nothing Personal by Kate O'Reilley

ISBN #: 978-0988663312

Page Count: 386

Copyright: January 18, 2013

Publisher: Kate O'Reilley

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

On a chilly January morning, anesthesiologist Dr. Jenna Reiner made her daily drive to St. Augustine Hospital, completely unaware that her life was about to change forever. One of the surgical technicians has been stealing syringes and infecting patients with hepatitis C. The battle against the thieving surgical technician was only the beginning. Jenna Reiner was about to begin the fight of her life - the fight for her reputation, her pride, and her sanity.

Beautifully composed, and inspired by true events, It's Nothing Personal is a riveting, suspenseful, and emotional thriller which chronicles the story of faith and fortitude when an innocent woman finds herself surrounded by corruption and greed.

Charlene's Review:

Dr. Jenna Reiner, an anesthesiologist at St. Augustine Hospital is blind-sided by a lawsuit when, unknown to her, a scrub tech replaces a drug with hepatitis-laced saline during one of her surgeries. Jenna is caught up as justice quickly spirals into greed, corruption, blackmail, and money-hungry lawyers. As she fights to reveal her innocence, she is forced to contemplate just how much she, and her family, can handle.

This fast-paced medical drama will leave you questioning just how much you actually know about your healthcare system. Based on the author's own malpractice nightmare, the details are stunningly real, and lead to a compassionate look into the bureaucratic red-tape that follows malpractice allegations. It also touches on the seclusion that occurs as facts are distorted, and the lives affected by the greed of litigation.

Dr. O'Reilley takes us on a behind-the-scenes look at an OR, and leaves nothing to the imagination. The litigation proceedings are equally as detailed and enthralling. The portrayal of Jenna and her emotional stability throughout is a touching, deeply personal portrait of a doctor that vowed to "do no harm" and her struggles with guilt, fear, and ultimately, anger.

It's Nothing Personal is a riveting depiction of a justice system gone wrong, and the doctors that must pay high malpractice costs in order to practice. It also highlights the dilemma of the medical communities in offering/protecting a standard of care in a litigation-hungry world. This is an immensely powerful book that will open your eyes to things you did not know you needed to worry about.

5 out of 5 stars!


*A physical copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.